$27 million to combat opioid abuse in Texas: How nonprofits plan to save lives

by Michael Locklear, Fox San Antonio

Kaci Spikes, who’s battled alcohol and prescription drug abuse, now works as a recovery coach for SACADA, counseling other women who are struggling. (Photo: Sinclair Broadcast Group)

The federal government is providing $27 million to Texas, more than any other state, to deal with opioid abuse, and local nonprofits are already making plans.

The San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse plans to hire another recovery coach and ramp up prevention efforts, reaching more ears earlier – students at elementary through high schools along with people in workplaces, churches and other groups. A lot of the money will go toward treatment, says Abigail Moore, CEO of SACADA.

“There’s going to be more money available for those beds needed instead of there being a waiting list,” she said. “They’re going to have priority because we are, again, losing individuals to prescription drug abuse, overdoses and heroin overdoses.”

Nationwide, more people are overdosing and dying each year than the year before, although Texas statistics aren’t available beyond 2015.